Flying Eagles edge Ghana to 4-2 victory.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their WAFU B U20 Championship campaign in emphatic fashion on Monday, defeating Ghana’s Black Satellites 4-2 in a thrilling six-goal encounter.
The victory gave Nigeria an early advantage in Group B and underlined their credentials as one of the leading contenders for the regional title.
The Flying Eagles made a blistering start in Yamoussoukro, with Olayemi Ayinla opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful strike that gave the Ghanaian goalkeeper no chance.
Ghana responded in the 23rd minute when Mohammed Zaidan restored parity to make it 1-1.
Nigeria, however, quickly regained control and restored their lead seven minutes later. Lucky Oraro’s free-kick took a wicked deflection before finding the back of the net to put the Flying Eagles 2-1 ahead.
The Nigerian youngsters continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with a penalty in the 38th minute. Muiz Adeleke confidently converted from the spot to give Nigeria a 3-1 advantage going into half-time.
Head Coach Abdu Maikaba made one change at the interval, introducing Adamu Hussaini for Imrana Muhammad as Nigeria sought to maintain their advantage.
Ghana reduced the deficit in the 60th minute after being awarded a penalty, with Kelvin Nkrumah converting to make it 3-2.
The goal briefly shifted momentum towards the Black Satellites, who pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Nigeria survived the pressure before gradually regaining control of the contest.
Adeleke had an opportunity to settle the match in the 84th minute when he found himself one-on-one with the Ghanaian goalkeeper, but he failed to convert the chance.
The forward was handed another opportunity shortly afterwards and made no mistake this time.
Nigeria were awarded a second penalty in the 89th minute, and Adeleke stepped up again to complete his brace and seal a 4-2 victory for the Flying Eagles.
The result represents a strong opening statement from Nigeria as they begin their quest for regional honours, while Ghana will now have to regroup quickly ahead of their next Group B fixture.
